The basketball world thrives on rivalries, but sometimes, the fiercest battles unfold far from the court. When Reebok announced its landmark partnership with the WNBA, fans of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese found themselves at the center of a heated debate over the league’s future and its faces. The announcement, meant to celebrate a historic collaboration, has instead reignited a contentious rivalry between supporters of the two young stars.

According to a recent post on X by i talk hoops, “THE ANGEL REESE EFFECT: Reebok and the WNBA have entered a multi-year partnership, with Reebok becoming an authorized footwear supplier for the league.” This collaboration is more than just a corporate move; it’s a symbolic step toward elevating women’s basketball. The partnership will bring iconic players like Reese and others into the spotlight with innovative content and campaigns.

Reebok’s return to basketball dominance began in 2021 when the brand declared its intention to reclaim its place in the sport. With Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson now leading its basketball division, Reebok has focused on players like Reese, whose rookie season with the Chicago Sky broke records and turned heads. “It’s an exciting time for Reebok, the WNBA, and the game of basketball overall,” said O’Neal. Reese’s involvement has been central, with her launching her debut collection, “Reebok by Angel,” and starring in campaigns that merge sport with cultural impact.

“Reebok has been such an amazing partner and advocate for women in sport,” Reese said. “As strong female athletes, we can use our platform to set an example for young players coming up in the sport.” This partnership has allowed Reese to solidify her growing influence, but it has also drawn criticism, sparking fiery conversations online.

Fan reactions ignite heated debate over Angel Reese’s role in the WNBA- Reebok deal

The announcement brought passionate reactions from fans, many of whom were quick to question Reese’s place in the league’s hierarchy. One fan mocked the partnership, writing, “Lol the Angel Reese effect? Lmfao y’all can’t be serious, the girl who scored 10ppg on 30% shooting is not the face of the league. It’s like they want the league to be unsuccessful lol.”

Others pointed to the disparity between Reese’s social media clout and Caitlin Clark’s on-court metrics. “Honestly, there’s not. The only thing Reese has over Clark is Instagram followers lol. Outside of social media, Clark has more jersey sales, All-Star votes, attendance numbers, and so on,” another fan argued. “Angel is obviously the second-biggest name in the sport, and that’s awesome, but she’s simply second.”

While Reese’s averages of 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game in her rookie season impressed many, critics argue that her social media presence overshadows her gameplay. Reese’s multimillion-dollar endorsements with brands like Reebok, Beats by Dr. Dre, and Hershey’s further fuel debates about her stardom, contrasting sharply with Caitlin Clark’s dominance in jersey sales and Rookie of the Year voting.

Some took a more dismissive tone, with a user stating, “You can’t take him seriously. He still believes Angel Reese is the face of the WNBA when every metric says she’s not lol.” Another wondered aloud, “What did Angel Reese have to do with this? Genuinely curious.”

For all the chatter, Reese remains unapologetically herself. As she builds a legacy both on and off the court, her rising fame and Reebok partnership prove one thing: love her or hate her, Angel Reese isn’t backing down.